Weather Forecast

The Non-Insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) was designed to reduce financial losses that occur when natural disasters cause a catastrophic loss of production or prevented planting of an eligible crop by providing coverage equivalent to catastrophic (CAT) insurance. Statute limits NAP to each commercial crop or agricultural commodity, except livestock, for which CAT and Federal Crop Insurance is not available.

The application closing date for NAP coverage on spring-seeded crops is March 15. This deadline date also applies to producers who have a policy that expires on March 15 and want to renew coverage for 2011.

NAP is designed to cover losses due to damaging weather conditions. The program covers losses of more than 50 percent of normal yields or the farm’s yield calculated using actual production histories. Payments for production lost in excess of 50 percent are paid at 55 percent of the values established for the crop.

The cost for this coverage is $250 per crop per producer with a $750 cap per county. NAP coverage begins 30 days after the application is filed and the $250 fee has been paid. The $250 fee is non refundable. Producers who meet the definition of “Limited Resource” are not required to pay the filing fee. Producers with 2011 NAP coverage must remember to complete the following to qualify for benefits:

—timely file acreage reports and keep track of harvested production using acceptable methods.

—file a “Notice of Loss” within 15 days of when a loss is apparent, due to drought, hail, etc.

For more information on NAP coverage contact the nearest FSA county office. Producers can contact Phillips County FSA by calling 970-854-2812 ext. 2, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.